The Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Yes International!’ Magazine, Azuh Arinze, has unveiled two new books that feature the success stories of high-profile individuals and vital lessons to be learnt from them.
Arinze hosted a public presentation of the books on Thursday at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Lagos.
This was in celebration of his 50th birthday.
Titled: “A Taste of Success” and “Conversation With Showbiz Stars,” the two books are inspired by his enduring career in journalism.
The first book, A Taste of Success, focuses on entrepreneurship cutting through the corporate world, showbiz, academia, law and religion among other sectors.
It features perspectives from respected voices such as Segun Osoba, the former Governor of Ogun State; Sam Ohuabunwa, respected pharmacist and former chairman of Neimeth Pharmaceuticals; as well as Bruce Onobrakpeya, the legendary artist.
The second book, Conversations With Showbiz Stars, is an interesting documentation of the journalist’s encounters with 35 leading Nigerian entertainers in acting, comedy and music.
Among them are Sunny Ade, Femi Kuti, 2Baba, Onyeka Onwenu, Tiwa Savage, Lagbaja, Wasiu Ayinde, Richard Mofe Damijo, Pete Edochie, Funke Akindele, Kenneth Okonkwo, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Segun Arinze, Desmond Elliot, Chioma Chukwuka, Ali Baba, Gbenga Adeyinka, Basketmouth, Okey Bakassi, Tee A, Julius Agwu, AY, Bovi and Don Jazzy.
Others include corporate guru, Seni Adetu; Dakuku Peterside, former NIMASA DG; Festus Keyamo; Babatunde Ogala, Senior Advocates of Nigeria; Dele Momodu and Adesuwa Onyenokwe, celebrated journalists; and Professors Okey Ndibe and Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, renowned academics.
The foreword to this 294-paged book is written by the former Editor of The Punch and former Lagos State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Steve Ayorinde.
While speaking on the two books, the author said: “Without holding back anything, the subjects highlighted in both books shared with me how they embarked on their success journey; how they eventually attained success and above all, how they have been sustaining that success.
“The interviewees cut across, which means that no matter where you play or intend to get into, there are people who have excelled there already and whom we got to share the stories of how they did it.
“Put simply, there’s so much to be learnt from the books by anyone willing to read, learn and succeed.”
Both books have been described by Arinze as mini biographies of 60 Nigerians who have excelled in their different fields.
Arinze served as the Editor of Encomium Weekly from 2003 to 2011.
Prior to that, he had edited Reel Stars Magazine.
His earlier books include: Encounters, Success Is Not Served A La Carte, Tested and Trusted Success Secrets of the Rich and Famous and The CEO’s Bible volumes 1 and 2.